Superintendent Shaps' communications may be found on our Superintendent page.

Dear Oyster River Families, 

During last night’s School Board meeting, the Board agreed to present the proposed Mast Way and Moharimet schools’ expansion and renovation project for voters’ consideration in March 2026.  

This project is the result of a strategic and multi-year process, guided by thorough facilities and program/space analysis, community dialogue, and collaborative planning.  

Recognizing that we have exhausted all options to improve program delivery within existing spaces, the Board believes that the sensible path forward is to invest in a fiscally responsible project that will ensure adequate learning spaces to meet the diverse needs of our youngest students for the foreseeable future. 

The district worked closely with our architectural and construction management partners to refine and scale the original project scope, resulting in a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $9,827,000. This figure represents the total project cost, which cannot be exceeded. 

We recognize that, in the current economic climate, any additional tax impact presents a genuine concern for families. The Board and administration are deeply mindful of this reality. However, deferring this work will only result in additional challenges to deliver educational programs and risk higher costs to address the issues in the future. 

In the coming months, we will provide multiple opportunities for community feedback and discussions. The district is currently working with municipal partners to finalize the projected tax rate impact for each town. We are committed to providing accurate, timely, and transparent information as it becomes available.

I look forward to having conversations with the community to inform and support this important project.

Respectfully, 
 
Dr. Robert Shaps 
Superintendent of Schools